Zoe Backstedt (Canyon//SRAM) comes into the Tour of Britain Women hoping for a shot at the general classification, but is also open to supporting teammate Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig if her own challenge falls short.
Speaking to Velora in Cockermouth before stage one on Wednesday, August 19, the British road and time-trial champion conceded that the five-day race would test her on the climbs. But she wants to see how she fares, with stage three's summit finish on the Great Orme in Llandudno expected to produce the most decisive gaps.
“It's going to be hard for me to do a good GC, but I think I would like to give it a chance,” Backstedt said. “You know, I'm here with no pressure. Cecilie is also here, which means we've got two chances for GC.”
Having two GC options gives Canyon//SRAM room to let the race develop before deciding how to pursue the overall classification and individual stages. Backstedt also made it clear that she would put the team's interests first.
“If I can go for something myself, that would be great,” she said. “But I'm also more than happy to support her and see what she can do in this country.”
Backstedt arrives after helping Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney to second overall at the Tour de France Femmes. Niewiadoma-Phinney won the Mont Ventoux stage and finished 1:18 behind Demi Vollering, while Backstedt worked in support across the race.
Her own 2026 results suggest she can take an opportunity if she remains with the leading group. Backstedt completed the British road and time-trial championship double, won a Tour de Suisse stage in a bunch sprint, and retained the Baloise Ladies Tour title. Her Tour de Suisse victory followed an 18km time-trial win at the Vuelta a Extremadura earlier in the season.
Backstedt is now making her second appearance at the Tour of Britain Women. She described last year's race as enjoyable and demanding, and expects more of the same in the first women's edition to feature five stages.
“I was here last year and it was a great fun race,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. Some super hard days, some brutal days, and I think this year is going to be no different.”
Great Orme provides the main GC test
The race covers about 636km from Wednesday to Sunday. Stage three finishes on the Great Orme after 104.7km, with the final 2.5km averaging about 6% and including ramps approaching 15%. Our race favourites guide identified the summit finish as the route's best chance to create significant overall gaps.
On the 158.9km opening stage around Cockermouth, Backstedt expected aggressive racing and an immediate selection.
“You know what? I think it's going to be full gas from the gun and it's going to be a small group that comes to the finish line,” she said. “And yeah, some hard moments.”
Canyon//SRAM also have Chiara Consonni available for sprint opportunities, allowing Backstedt and Uttrup Ludwig to concentrate on remaining in GC contention. The final decision over leadership can wait until the road separates them.
